Brain Aneurysm

Brain Aneurysm (Unruptured & Ruptured)

A brain aneurysm is a bulge or ballooning in the wall of a blood vessel in the brain. It often develops silently, with no symptoms, until it ruptures — at which point it can cause a life-threatening subarachnoid haemorrhage (a type of stroke).

At The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, we provide specialist inpatient neurorehabilitation for adults recovering from ruptured brain aneurysms and the long-term effects of subarachnoid haemorrhage.

---

What Is a Brain Aneurysm?

A brain aneurysm (also called a cerebral aneurysm) occurs when a weak spot develops in the wall of a brain artery. Over time, blood pressure can cause the wall to stretch and bulge outward, forming a balloon-like pocket.

Aneurysms can be:

• Ruptured – resulting in bleeding in the space around the brain (subarachnoid haemorrhage)
• Unruptured – asymptomatic and discovered incidentally
• Leaking – causing warning symptoms such as severe headache

---

Symptoms of a Ruptured Aneurysm

When an aneurysm bursts, it can lead to sudden and severe symptoms, such as:

• An intense, “thunderclap” headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of consciousness or confusion
• Stiff neck or sensitivity to light
• Seizures
• Weakness or paralysis
• Vision or speech changes

A ruptured aneurysm requires emergency neurosurgical care. Survivors often need specialist support to recover physical and cognitive function.

---

Unruptured Aneurysms

Most unruptured aneurysms cause no symptoms and may be found during imaging for other reasons. However, some may cause:

• Localised headaches
• Vision problems
• Pain behind or above the eye

Depending on their size, location, and risk profile, unruptured aneurysms may be monitored or treated to prevent rupture.

---

What Causes Brain Aneurysms?

Several factors increase the risk of developing a cerebral aneurysm, including:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Smoking
• Heavy alcohol use
• Family history of aneurysms
• Certain genetic or connective tissue conditions
• Previous head trauma or vascular malformations

---

How Are Brain Aneurysms Treated?

Treatment depends on whether the aneurysm has ruptured:

• Unruptured aneurysms may be monitored, clipped or coiled
• Ruptured aneurysms often require emergency surgery to secure the aneurysm and stop the bleeding

After surgery, patients may need intensive care followed by rehabilitation

---

Long-Term Effects After Rupture

Following a ruptured aneurysm and subarachnoid haemorrhage, patients may experience:

• Muscle weakness or movement difficulties
• Fatigue and poor endurance
• Memory loss or slowed thinking
• Speech or language problems
• Changes in behaviour or mood
• Headaches and sensory sensitivity

These effects can vary in severity and duration. Recovery is often gradual, requiring a structured and multidisciplinary approach.

---

Specialist Neurorehabilitation at The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital

We provide comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation for individuals recovering from:

• Aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage
• Emergency neurosurgical procedures
• Stroke or traumatic brain injury

Our consultant-led neurorehabilitation programmes may include:

• Physiotherapy – to improve strength, coordination, and mobility
• Occupational therapy – to rebuild independence in daily living tasks
• Speech and language therapy – for communication or swallowing difficulties
• Neuropsychology – to address memory, attention, and emotional wellbeing
• Specialist nursing care – with 24/7 clinical support and monitoring

Our goal is to help each patient achieve maximum recovery and improved quality of life.

---

Who We Support

Our neurorehabilitation service is suitable for adults (18+) who:

• Are recovering from a ruptured brain aneurysm
• Need rehabilitation after a subarachnoid haemorrhage
• Are experiencing ongoing cognitive, physical or communication problems
• Have complex needs requiring coordinated inpatient care

To enquire about a referral, please call 01296 678800 or contact us online.

---

Why Choose The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital?

• Specialist team with experience in complex brain injury recovery
• Access to daily therapies in a calm, purpose-built environment
• Multidisciplinary approach tailored to individual goals
• Trusted by patients and families across the UK
• Comprehensive discharge and follow-up planning